New Issue: Zodiac (France)

France has issued another new set today. This one is the signs of the Zodiac and looks loud, colourful and... well, fun! La Poste's website explains the design: "Colorful, pop, and resolutely contemporary, the 'Zodiac' booklet reinterprets astrology through the graphic universe of Clémence Gouy, a French illustrator and art director based in Biarritz. Committed, inclusive, and passionate about representing femininity, she creates vibrant works where diversity and freedom are celebrated. The fire of Aries, the hedonism of Taurus, the duality of Gemini, or the sensitivity of Cancer... In this booklet, each sign is reinvented under the artist's clear and assertive hand, with its intense blocks of colour, interplay of lines and stylized symbols. The figures, full of energy, embody both the singularity and the universal power of the zodiac signs. True to her pop aesthetic and graphic rigour, Clémence Gouy combines mythology and modernity to offer a luminous tribute to the celestial forces that connect us." Design Quality - The designs are really bold and colorful, and they instantly grab your attention. There are lots of bright pinks, blues, and greens, and the shapes feel energetic and fun. Each stamp looks different, but they still feel like they belong together. 8/10

Theme and Subject Choice - The zodiac is a cool theme because it mixes astrology, art, and personality. Most people know their star sign, so it feels relatable but also a bit of fun. It’s a topic that feels playful instead of serious (do stamps always have to be serious?). Other countries, like Poland, have created Zodiac-themed stamps in the past (below). 6/10

Historical and Cultural Relevance - Zodiac signs have been around for a really long time and are part of many cultures, not just one country. This set shows how old ideas can still feel modern and popular today. It also shows how France is open to creative and pop-culture themes, not only traditional history. 5/10

Innovation and Creativity - This set feels very creative and modern. The illustrations don’t look like traditional stamps at all, more like stickers or poster art. The artists clearly took risks with colors and styles, and it really pays off. 8/10

Collectability - Because there are twelve zodiac signs, the set feels made for collecting. People might want to keep the whole sheet instead of using just one stamp. Fans of astrology or colorful design would probably love owning this set. 8/10

Personal Appeal - I think this set is fun and expressive, but also very busy. It’s exciting to look at, but it doesn’t feel calm or simple. Compared to something more classic, this feels louder and more playful—great if you love colour and personality. 8/10 Overall score - 43/60